U16: SCARLETS 20 BLUES 10

A large crowd were entertained by the two teams in a game played at high speed and intensity that matched the quality of players on show.

From the kick off the Scarlets took control of the match and had several opportunities to score. However, they continued to drive play up close to the rucks and mauls which played into the hands of larger Blues forwards where as a more productive option would have been to spread the ball wide and utilise the overlaps that had been developed.

Despite this good start it was the Blues who scored first when the ball was turned over in the Scarlet 22 which allowed the big Blues forwards to pick up and drive over the line for the first score.

The Scarlets hit back and after some good work by the forwards and No8 Mathew Evans in particular they were awarded a penalty which full back Daniel Evans successfully converted and at half time the Blues lead 5pts to 3.

The 2nd half followed the same pattern as the first with the larger Blues forwards continuing to give the Scarlet scrum a hard time, despite this it was the Scarlets who scored next with a set move from the backs after the forwards had supplied quality ball from a line out in the Blues half. The ball was moved from outside half Daniel Newton to full back Daniel Evans who cut straight through the Blues defence and rounded the last defender to score a superb try near the posts Daniel Evans converted his own try to make the score 10 : 5 to the Scarlets.

To their credit the Blues responded with another try after some good work by their backs bringing the scores level at 10pts each.

This time the Scarlets responded in a positive manner and their 2nd try came after some excellent driving play by the Scarlets forwards to take play deep into the Blues 22, the ball was then worked across the back line for full back Daniel Evans to give the scoring pass to right wing Geraint Peachment to score wide out.

An excellent touchline conversion by Daniel Evans took the Scarlet lead up to 17 : 10 and with the Scarlets now in control Daniel Evans then added another penalty to take the score to 20pts to 10 in favour of the Scarlets.

The Scarlets continued to dominate possession and despite some extended periods of pressure could not add to the score.

The young Scarlets have performed better this season but this win takes them another step closer to the final.

Pick of the Scarlets backs was accomplished full back Daniel Evans always looking a threat in attack and with his kicking out of hand he was able to pin back the Blues with huge touch finders as well as having a 100% success rate with his kicks at goal.

Pick of the Scarlet forwards was open side flanker Nicholas Cudd who not only makes a huge amount of tackles and generates important turnovers for his team, but also provides a great link between the forwards and the backs.

The Scarlets next game is Tuesday the 15/03/05 against the Dragons, away.

Wales and Ospreys back row James King, who came through the North Wales age grade system, nominated North Wales Regional Community Rugby Manager Marc Roberts, in the WRU's 'Diolch' initiative where squad players thanked those who played a part in their rise to the top.

Beating Merthyr has boosted Carmarthen Quins hopes of reaching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership. Quins captain Haydn Pugh is delighted with his team's progress and is determined that everyone from the Under 6s through to the senior team, enjoys the ride.

When the Wales squad were asked to nominate individuals who played a big part in their early playing days, Wales and Dragons full back and wing Hallam Amos thought of his former Monmouth School rugby coach John Bevan.

Sam Cross and Luke Treharne have been named as co-captains of the Wales Sevens side as head coach Gareth Williams names his 12-man squad to play in the first leg of the HSBC World Series in Dubai next weekend.

Bedwas head coach Steve Law and players Nicky Griffiths and Alun Rees extol the virtues of the close knit club as they prepare to host third place RGC 1404 - who are one place head of them on the Principality Premiership points table - on Saturday.

Many of the Wales squad have said Diolch (thank you) to someone who played an important part in their early playing days by nominating them to be invited to the Wales v South Africa match. One person, Gowerton Comprehensive geography teacher Mr Dean Mason was nominated by two of his former pupils, Dan Biggar and Sam Davies.

The second WRU disability rugby pilot has been delivered, this time in Caerphilly schools, culminating in a festival at the Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach tomorrow. Plans are in place to set up a Disability Rugby Club in Newbridge to provide long-term playing opportunities.

WRU TV: Hear from inside the Wales camp as Neil Jenkins discusses this weekend's clash with South Africa and how the squad are looking to put in a strong performance to round of the 2016 Under Armour Series